While it was recently reported that Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest would be returning as the eccentric Aunt Frances and Aunt Jet in the upcoming Practical Magic sequel, one star will not be reprising her role from the 1998 movie. Evan Rachel Wood took to social media over the weekend to confirm that she would not be back as Sandra Bullock's onscreen daughter Kylie.
Per Deadline, Wood posted on her Instagram stories over the weekend that she hadn't been asked back for the sequel, revealing that she'd even suggested only appearing in one scene. “I was told they are re-casting. I am sorry to disappoint the fans. It was not in my control or my choice. I would have happily rejoined my sisters.”
The Practical Magic sequel was first announced last fall. Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock both agreed to return and reprise their roles as Gillian and Sally Owens, the witchy sisters at the center of the original movie adapted from Alice Hoffman's 1995 novel. In addition to starring, the actresses will produce, with Susanne Bier (Bird Box) set to direct.
Joey King was formally cast as one of Sally's daughter for the sequel, which is around the time fans expected to hear news about whether Wood would return as Kylie. King may have replaced Wood for the role.
I think that it's smart that Wood put out her own statement declaring that she had offered to be part of the movie but the powers that be chose to go in a different direction. It prevents anyone from claiming Wood was too busy or didn't want to be involved. Now the blame lies solely on the studio or producers who chose not to bring her back.
As to the why, well, no official reason has been provided but I have a few theories that paint those involved in a poor light, namely regarding the Marilyn Manson of it all. It's really unfortunate and I don't agree with the decision to recast Wood, but people on social media seem to concur that the actress might be paying the price for speaking out. The story of a woman suffering career repercussions after coming forward with abuse allegations is a tale as old as time.
To be fair and provide a slightly more charitable reading of the situation, assuming King has been cast in Wood's role of Kylie, the change might also be due to a desire to cast someone younger. I'm not sure how much time the movie will say has passed since the original, but they might be writing Kylie in her mid-20s vs. her late 30s, which would reflect the difference in the two actress' ages.
Last week, it was announced that the cast had expanded to include actors like Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones fame, though her role is currently being kept under wraps. There is some theorizing that Williams could be playing one of Sally's daughters alongside King.
Practical Magic 2 is expected in theaters on September 26, 2026.
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